A. Writing Task 1: Comparing and Contrasting

In this lesson I will provide you with some useful phrases you can use when you state contrasts and similarities in the diagram (or chart, graph etc.) of your IELTS A. Writing Task 1. Obviously, you can also use these phrases in any writing when you refer to similarities and differences , but let’s go and check them out for Task 1 along with examples.

Firstly, let’s talk about similarities!

Both

-It is obvious from the diagram that both value X and value Z have increased/dropped in 2010.

–Both X and Z values have increased/dropped in 2010.

Similarly/Likewise

-It is clear that the X value is steadily increasing over the years. Similarly/Likewise, the Z value follows the same increasing trend.

In the same way

-Value X dropped in 2014 in the same way thatvalue Z dropped in 2012

-Value X dropped in 2014 in the same way as value Z dropped in 2012.

Similar trend

-Value Z follows a similar trend with value X in the years 2013 and 2014.

The following are some useful phrases that you will use when you want to refer to differences:

On the one hand-On the other hand

–On the one hand, value X is the only value that steadily increases from 2010 to 2012 making the company the most profitable one. On the other hand, it abruptly drops in 2014 and becomes the least competitive.

While

While all values increase in 2014, the X value significantly decreases.

-Value Z shows a steady performance throughout the years in contrast to value X which is unstable.

-Value Z shows a steady performance throughout the years. By contrast, value X is unstable.

For extra clarifications, you can also watch the video:

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